OSCE: separatists' heavy weapons not withdrawn

The representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Russia have reported OSCE observers that, as of February 24, they have not observed declared by separatists withdrawal of their heavy weapons.

This is stated in the report of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine. SMM observers visited that day in the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC), located in government-controlled Soledar, Donetsk region.

During a visit, the Russian Colonel-General provided the SMM with copies of schedules for the gradual withdrawal of heavy weapons by the “DPR” and “LPR”, and the Ukrainian CoS provided a copy of a schedule for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Observers note that these schedules did not appear to be co-ordinated or jointly agreed. Although at least one schedule indicated a start date as early as 22 February, Ukrainian and Russian JCCC representatives admitted that they had not actually observed any withdrawal by the “DPR” or “LPR”.